I had spinal fusion in 1984. I am 73 years old. The area of the fusion has been bothersome for years ...assumed mostly arthritis and some facet joint discomfort. Used numerous NSAIDs, steroid shots as well as OTC anti inflammatories.i am on Lipitor for @ 20 years.about 5 years ago I had extremely high cpk test... I took the EMG test from a neurologist and nothing was detected. Although still on the high side it did get lower and stabilize. I recently had a spinal lumbar MRI and the para spinal muscles showed atrophy. I was recently taking 450 mg of Tramadol daily along with 1800 mg of ibuprofen a day. I went thru 4 months of withdrawal symtoms( no fun). I am completely off the tramadol and take only 600 or 800 mg of IBU per day now. However, the back discomfort has returned, hence the MRI and discovery of the weak muscles. I have difficulty walking any distance, getting out of a chair or car, walking up stairs and playing golf without a great deal of discomfort. I need direction as to what I should do. Thank YYYY@YYYY